PoliticsWhat message did Lai Ching-te seek to send with his ‘City upon a Hill’ speech?

In his National Day address, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te invoked the biblical idea of a “City upon a Hill,” describing Taiwan as a key force for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. He addressed US-China dialogue, cross-strait ties, self-defence and domestic policies. Scholars said the restrained wording also conveyed a message to Washington about stable Taiwan-US relations and Taiwan’s strategic value; Beijing criticized his remarks.

Lai Ching-teTaiwan National Day addressTaiwan-US relationscross-strait relations

BBBC Chinese★★★☆☆2026-10-10 11:37Original